The Alexander Bay area is possibly one of South Africa's best kept secrets. It has been, and still is, protective of its mineral riches. These days there are still checkpoints on entereing the town, but behind the militaristic looking buildings lies the river mouth of the mighty Orange River (Gariep), flocks of flamingos, and stories of the old coastal diamond town waiting to be told.

ATTRACTIONS: THINGS TO DO

Because of the mining, resticted access has ensured that some sites remain relatively pristine, such as the seal colony, the marine life, and the extraordinary bird populations. Over 200 species of birds can be seen here, including the rare Barlow's Lark, which is found nowhere else but in this region.

In fact the Orange River mouth is home to many rare and threatened bird species, as well as a critical stop over for migratory birds.

MINE TOUR:Diamond Mine tours are run from 08:00 to about 12:30. Tours can be run on other days for groups of six or more.

For security reasons all tours have to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. Upon booking, tourists full names, identity numbers and home address will be required for security clearance. The price includes refreshments and an oyster. Unfortunately no children under the age of 18 are allowed in the mining area.

The mine tour includes a guided tour of the museum, a look at Alexkor’s Corporate Video and a look at the mining operation itself. In the mining area tourists are given information about prospecting, mining and recovering diamonds, the history of Alexander Bay and its people as well as information on all of Alexkor’s various activities.

You may also visit Alexander Bay Harbor, an oyster farm, one of the working plants and a seal colony on the coast.

NATURE:
Orange River Wetland Ramsar Site
In June 1991 the wetland at the mouth of the Orange River was declared a RAMSAR SITE of international importance, especially as a habitat for water birds, like flamingos and pelicans.
A must for any birder, found along the riverbanks, along with smooth pebbles and semi-precious stones for rock and gemstone enthusiasts. Unfortunately this wetland is currently under major threat from several sources including reduced flow and desertification, but efforts are underway to restore this wetland. Also of interest are fields of green and orange lichen growing on a hill near the turnoff of the town. These lichen fields are soon to be declared a national monument.
Visitors can bird watch along the road to the river mouth and also at a bird hide, which looks out over an oxidation pond.

LICHTEN FIELDS:
A rare field of green and orange lichen further grow on a hill south east of the entrance road to Alexander Bay.
Though spoken of as plants, Lichen really consist of patches of fungi and algae which live in symbiosis. These grow on the ground, which is a powdery eroded rock substrate, and also on the remains of dried plants.
Lichen only occur in cool, misty desert climes. There are only four such regions in the world, of which the adjoining Namib Desert is one.
Over 30 species of lichen have been recorded on the outcrop.Though this sensitive area has been enclosed by a fence, visitors can clearly see and photograph the lichen fields from the main road.

The Living Museum
The diamond mining company Alexkor Ltd has diversified into agro-industry, mariculture and tourism. Informative diamond mine tours also pass the Bay of Alexander and a seal colony. They run every Thursday and should be booked 24 hours in advance. The Living Museum gives you a profound insight into the rich natural and cultural history of the area and will soon offer biologically and culturally oriented activities. You can also experience the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region by visiting the nearby towns of Sanddrift, Kuboes, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing and Port Nolloth, as well as the Richtersveld National Park.

ACTIVITIES:
Though there are no official trails yet, there are excellent mountain biking opportunities in the area, taking you past lichen fields and along the river. You can also go fishing with the fishermen and a few seagulls at the River Mouth. The Tourism Information Centre can arrange equipment and guides for you through the angling club.

GETTING THERE:
Alexander Bay is a mining town located at the mouth of the Orange River, 85 km from Port Nolloth. In the past strict security made access to Alexander Bay difficult but today this frontier town invites visitors to explore its fascinating pioneering history. Although the border post to Namibia is open from 6:00 till 22:00, you need a permit to enter the Sperrgebiet and Oranjemund which you have to drive through to get further into Namibia. Movement in the Sperrgebiet area is very restricted and entrance permits need to be approved well in advance for all visitors. Security clearances are done at the Security Department offices in Oranjemund and the Springbok Police Station in South Africa. Application forms can be obtained from Monday to Friday or by contacting the following department:

ACCOMMODATION:
Enjoy your stay in Alexander Bay in any one of a number of charming guesthouses within the town. The guesthouses 'Af-en- Toe', 'Frikkie Snyman', and 'Uitsig' can accommodate 30 people. The farm Brandkaros lies approximately 25 km from Alexander Bay, on the banks of the Orange River. Brandkaros is an oasis of shade in a hot desert landscape, complete with swimming pool, barbeque facilities, and communal ablutions for campers and caravans as well as en-suite rondavels. Visitors can walk through the orchards to the river and the surrounding hills provide panoramic views of the Orange River and dunes of Namibia.

DISTANCES BETWEEN TOWNS

Alexander Bay

Eksteenfontein

153km

Kuboes

120km

65km

Lekkersing

75km

45km

110km

Port Nolloth

60km

150km

120km

85km

Sanddrift

130km

80km

25km

130km

45km

Springbok

275km

145km

160km

295km

145km

230km

Steinkopf

55km

220km

90km

105km

240km

90km

175km

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) nest in the banks of the Orange River.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RICHTERSVELD AND ORANGE RIVER RAFTING CONTACT US AT